Mrs. Winfred Joyce Williams

Her Story: Winifred Joyce Williams affectionately known by family and friends as “Joyce” was born on March 9, 1934 in Dayton, Ohio. Joyce was born to the late Willis Blackburn and Adelaide Shoecraft. Her brother, Wilbert and her sister, Marguerite, both preceded her in death. As a young child, Joyce moved to Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in the care of members of her extended family. Joyce received her formal education in the Kansas City public school system. After graduation from high school at age 16, graduating from Lincoln High School in Kansas City, MO, she embarked upon a career in radiologic technology, attending schools in Wichita and Rosedale Kansas. On August 30, 1958, in Kansas City, MO, Joyce wed the late Robert Lee Williams and to that union was born one son, Robert E. Williams (Artist Sherobbi). Joyce’s professional career spanned a host of areas including a career in radiologic technology and employment as an educator. Joyce worked at several hospitals throughout Michigan before retiring from Henry Ford Hospital in 1989. Joyce later pursued a career as an educator. In Detroit, Joyce taught at Pulaski, Bell and Monnier Elementary schools. Upon her retirement from the Detroit Board of Education, Joyce relocated to Dayton, Ohio where she taught at the Richard Allen School. Joyce was an avid lifetime learner who was perpetually involved in some educational endeavor. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and at the age of 72 received her Master’s in Education from Cambridge College. Joyce accepted Christ at an early age and as a child, she joined Willis Chapel A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, MO. She later moved with her son to Flint, Michigan, transferring her membership to Newman A.M.E. Church in Pontiac, Michigan. Upon accepting employment in Detroit, Joyce later relocated to Detroit and joined Ebenezer AME Church. After she retired from Detroit Public Schools, Joyce returned to the city of her birth, Dayton, Ohio, where she became an active member of Greater Allen AME Church. In later years, Joyce moved back to Detroit, the place that she called home and she renewed her membership with Ebenezer AME Church, where she remained a faithful and dedicated member until the time of her passing. Joyce’s love for traveling led her in the mid 1980’s to become a certified travel agent. She organized a number of very lucrative bus tours throughout Michigan, Ohio and Canada. Her last bus tour was in 2013 where she helped the EC-3 Autumn Steppers sponsor a Fall Color Tour of Southeastern MI. As a result of Joyce’s missionary spirit and desire to be a help to her fellowman, she touched many lives during her lifetime. Joyce was an active member of the AME Church Missionary Societies in Michigan and Ohio, serving on the Grant and the Edith Hodge Women’s Missionary Societies. She was a Class Leader, served on EAME Church Stewardess Board #2, the Board of Christian Education and volunteered as part of the food ministry at New Light Baptist Church and the Ebenezer Community and Cultural Center. Winifred Joyce was an active member of Church Women United, Kappa Gamma PI Honor Society, American Society of Radiological Technologist, American Registry of Radiologic Technologist, Founders Society Detroit Institute of Arts, Friends Of African Art DIA, United Negro College Foundation, Women's Committee, Bel Aires Social Club, International Federation Women in Travel Founder/Board Member, Henry Ford Hospital Recreational Association Board Member, and a Paul Laurence Dunbar Museum member. She also served as a former president of the Resident’s Council at Oak Village Square Senior Apartments.

Mrs. Winfred Joyce Williams

March 9, 1934 - February 6, 2015